Pana DMP-BD30 v Pana DMP-BD50 for DVD playback.

[Pistol Pete1]

Still researching the possibility of getting into the blu-ray revolution, but need the machine to be able to upscale dvd's and make them look as good as a quality dedicated DVD player (Pioneer DV-LX50, Denon DVD 1940).

I think I'm right in saying the BD30 is ok at upscaling, but seen in some forums people slating it for such a task. The latest BD50 review on here states:

'Even when upscaling standard-definition material such as The Bank Job, the DMP-BD50 creates an inviting, detailed image that's easily among the best in class.'

Does that include the BD30, or is it referring to similar priced DVD players (like the fore mentioned)?

Alternatively, would I still be best to buy a DVD player to use for a year or so, and see what happens in the 'blu-ray' market?

Anyone like to help.......?

 

[grumpyoldman]

Got my BD50 on Thursday but shamefully haven't had the time to really play with it yet. I did do a very quick comparison against my Denon DVD3910 using 'The Aviator' (crash scene) and my first impression was the BD50 was better or, at the very least, not inferior. Hoping to have a bit more of a play later today.

 

[Pistol Pete1]

Thanks for that 'grumpyoldman'.

Can you let me know how it goes once you've had more time with it? What tv, amp and speakers are you using it with, if you don't mind me asking?

Also, I assume the blu-ray picture is truely amazing?

Any info would be very much appreciated.....

 

[grumpyoldman]

Hi Pete,

Sorry for the delay in replying to this, I just haven't had any time to myself for the past week - so no time to really get to play with the BD50 either! I am just about to start updating my system and I put my name down for one of these with no real expectation that it would actually be available any time soon. So I was extremely surprised to get the call from the local Panny Shop last Thursday but totally unprepared.

I have a Panasonic 32LXD70 LCD, Humax 9200T PVR, Denon AVR3805 & Denon DVD 3910 all playing through 5.1 Wharfedale Diamond 9 sub-sat system. I hooked the BD50 up using HDMI to the display but using analogue cables to the Denon receiver. The perceived wisdom is that I won't notice a leap in picture enhancement until I get a bigger screen and that may be one of the reasons I think the BD50 is as good, if not better with standard DVDs as my Denon. My better half is not into technology but she also thinks that the Blu-ray is better (unsolicited view) and she looked at me in amazement when she heard the sound it produced again on a standard DVD. Believe me that is some endorsement. I am beginning to wonder if all the time I spent setting up the Denon still produced a poor result, although I haven't had the chance to change anything for the BD50, it just sounded really good straight out of the box!

I have just bought Pan's Labarynth and Juno in Blu-ray, just so that I have some discs to play. Wanted to own the first and not seen the second, but I have no idea if they are good examples of Blu-ray discs. I snatched a few minutes of Pan's Labarynth and was really impressed with that but a fuller opinion will have to wait. I did play a fair bit of Fleetwood Mac's 'The Dance' 5.1 DVD the other night and again found the picture and sound much better than through the Denon and my better half's feet were literally unconsciously tapping throughout.

Hope this helps.

 

[Andrew Everard]

grumpyoldman:my better half's feet were literally unconsciously tapping throughout.

Your better half was literally unconscious? Fleetwood Mac does that to me, too...

 

[grumpyoldman]

I don't have too many music DVDs but that is a good one in a relative sense. As long as you are ready to skip all the really naff stuff ( about 50%) it is excellent, even though it is Fleetwood Mac! I take your point though.

 

[Pistol Pete1]

Hi - thanks for your reply. (And thanks for your insight into the dilemma, Andrew!!)

It all sounds very promising. Its a shame you have not seen the BD30 for a comparison. Afterall, the BD30 might be very similar in terms of sound and picture quality, but not have the sound decoders and BD live features, that quite frankly I will not need (owner of onkyo 606 with built in sound decoders).

And if it is very similar, a financial saving could be useful at the moment.......

Anyone seen and heard both blu-ray players in a demo (especially in DVD playback), and can answer this question?

 

[professorhat]

Haven't seen the BD50 but I would point out that WHF gave both 5 stars. Given the star rating is based on value for money, I'd be surprised if the BD50 didn't offer a suitably increased sound and picture quality over the BD30 compared to their relative prices...

 

[Pistol Pete1]

Thanks professorhat...

I did think that, but I'm glad someone else thinks the same.

Think I may have to save up and wait a while thou - funds are getting limited.

And you never know, panansonic may reduce the price once more players arrive on the scene......